Who isn’t familiar with the legendary Tom Brady and his awe-inspiring NFL accomplishments? The name has reverberated through stadiums, sending shivers down the spines of opponents, and inspiring both admiration and envy in fans worldwide. With an illustrious career spanning two decades, he has etched his name in football history with seven Super Bowl titles and three MVP awards. Deeply connected to the Land of Saints and Scholars, he strategically chose to play for both the Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Though a Cali kid at heart, Tom Brady found a true sense of belonging in Massachusetts, a state renowned for its high percentage of residents with Irish ancestry. For an incredible 20 seasons, Brady called Massachusetts his home while proudly donning the Patriots’ colors. During this time, he revealed the deep-rooted connection his family had with The Emerald Isle. Now, as he embraces new events, his statement resurfaces, once again reminding him of his roots.
Tom Brady is not an American!
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Born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, to Tom Brady Sr. and Galynn Patricia, the NFL legend has a strong connection to his Irish heritage through his father’s ancestry. Recently, Tom Brady had the opportunity to once again celebrate his roots. Taking to Instagram, he shared a heartwarming story featuring his father, Tom Brady Sr., and mother, Galynn Patricia, standing proudly before Ireland’s iconic ‘Rock of Cashel‘ while donning raincoats.
Alongside the photo, Brady captioned it with a playful nod, “When Irish eyes are smilin’ 🇨🇮,” and added the endearing abbreviation “M & D” accompanied by two red hearts, symbolizing his deep love and appreciation for his mom and dad. This isn’t the first time Brady has proudly embraced his Irish roots; about 14 years ago, he openly discussed his Irish heritage, demonstrating his enduring connection to his ancestral homeland.
Brady traces Irish roots to 19th century
When Tom Brady was selected as a sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2000, little did he know that he was returning to his ancestral family roots that were established over a century and a half earlier. Brady’s family had emigrated from Ireland during the mid-19th century, seeking refuge from the devastating Irish famine. They initially settled in Boston before eventually making their way to California, where Brady was born and raised.
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Throughout his career, Brady has consistently acknowledged his proud Irish heritage. In 2009, during the Patriots’ visit to London, he spoke about his roots in an interview with Irish America Magazine, stating, “My father is 100 percent Irish. We took a trip over there together and visited some of the places where my family came from…..That was a great experience for me, and obviously I am very proud of my Irish roots.’’
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Brady’s connection to his Irish ancestry has played a significant role in shaping his identity, further deepening his appreciation for his family’s history and the sacrifices they made.
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